Candida albicans, commonly referred to as yeast, is the
cause of both thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Thrush is an infection of
yeast located in the mouth and throat. In infants, it can also infect the
breast-feeding mothers breasts. Thrush causes pain, burning, and itching and
appears as a layer of gooey white on the tongue and throat, with redness and
irritation underneath.

Feminine yeast infections can also be very painful causing
burning, itching, and even bleeding. The condition can also spread to the
outlying area. Men can be infected as well, especially from a partner that has
a yeast infection. For men, there is equivalent pain, burning, itching, and raw
skin. It may start with just the itching and can progress to open sores that
look like the underside of a blister, exposing the raw lower layers of the
epidermis.

Essential oils have been used for centuries in the
treatment of a variety of ailments and yeast is no exception. But essential oils
are more than an antiquated remedy. They have been and continue to be studied
by scientists of today to evaluate their true worth in treating common
conditions.

A recent study cited by the National Institutes of Health,
performed at a University in Japan, demonstrated the effectiveness of
lemongrass essential oil in the treatment of candida albican infections. The
scientists also studied patchouli, thyme, and cedarwood as helpful essential
oils for inhibiting yeast growth and killing yeast. The results indicated that
lemongrass could be a highly effective alternative to over-the-counter
anti-fungal medications.

For the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, the most
common of yeast infections, it is recommended to use a base of plain
(unsweetened, unflavored) yogurt. Plain yogurt contains probiotics that help
kill yeast infections and does not contain yeast-feeding sugars like sweetened
yogurt. Add three or four drops of lemongrass oil to four ounces of yogurt and
stir. Using exceptionally clean fingers, apply the solution to the inside of
the vagina. You can also add three to five drops of tee tree oil, an equally
powerful antifungal. The solution can also be placed into the vagina using a
cream tube from an over-the-counter anti-fungal yeast treatment. But again, be
sure it is completely sanitary.